Former NDP candidate to run for Greens in Winnipeg Centre -- www.lensawatskygreenparty.ca

Hi, Len's campaing officially "launched" today with the distribution of press releases and the publishing of his web site. Check it out here ... http://www.lensawatskygreenparty.ca

We are hoping for a bit of buzz as Len is a past NDP candidate federally and provincially and he's going against the well known Pat Martin who's held the riding for the NDP since the mid 90's.

Kelly Dueck
Communications Co-ordinator
Winnipeg Centre Federal Green Party Association

Media Release
For Immediate Release
January 30, 2008

Len Sawatsky wins Green Party nomination for Winnipeg Centre

WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Centre federal Green Party association today announced that Len Sawatsky has been selected as the Green Party candidate for the riding. Mr.Sawatsky has a professional background in the field of restorative and Aboriginal justice,and has worked closely with the Aboriginal community in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

He is also a former NDP candidate, both federally and provincially in Manitoba. "I left the NDP because the party has lost its way," said Sawatsky. "It has become too self-interested and has lost touch with its principles. The party is too closely linked to unions in the oil and auto industries to be trusted on the climate file and the NDP killed Universal Childcare by scheming with the Conservatives to bring down the Martin government before childcare could be established."

Federal Green leader Elizabeth May stated, "I am so pleased that the Green Party has attracted a committed social activist and respected progressive political voice like Len Sawatsky. He is a great addition to our growing team. The Green Party is the only party that has gained momentum since the last election."

Mr. Sawatsky's top priority is to inform Canadians about the Green Party's holistic vision for the country. "The Green Party is the only federal party that understands everything is connected. You cannot separate the environment from the economy and society. The other parties are focused on their own narrow interests, whether social conservatives, Bay Street elites or union leaders. The Green Party is neither left nor right, but forward. It is focused on the future and is therefore the only responsible party. That is what attracted me to the Greens."

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